Cupid is the Roman god of love, usually shown as a chubby baby or young boy with wings, carrying a bow and arrows. According to ancient Roman mythology, anyone struck by one of Cupid's arrows would fall instantly in love. You'll often see pictures of Cupid on Valentine's Day cards, sometimes aiming his bow at unsuspecting people.

The Romans borrowed this figure from Greek mythology, where he was called Eros. In the most famous Roman myth about Cupid, he falls in love with a beautiful mortal woman named Psyche, even though his mother, Venus (the goddess of beauty), had ordered him not to. Their story involves tests, betrayals, and finally a happy ending when Psyche becomes immortal and joins Cupid on Mount Olympus.

Today, people use Cupid as a symbol of romance and attraction. When someone plays cupid, they're trying to help two people fall in love, just like the mythological god with his magical arrows. You might hear someone joke that “Cupid's arrow struck” when two people suddenly develop feelings for each other.